Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

50th anniversary: 1890s saw creation of Sequoia National Park

One hundred and fifty years of newspapers contain stories large and
small about the achievements, failures and foibles of the people of a
region.

This
weekly series, part of the Times-Delta’s observance of its 150th
anniversary, will show slices of Visalia and Tulare County life through
the years that the newspaper has been serving the region.

Part
XII: The 1890s began with one of the most significant events in Tulare
County history, the creation of Sequoia National Park. It was a long
crusade, led by Weekly Delta editor George Stewart. Here are selected
stories from the climactic period, unsigned but presumably written by
Stewart.

VISALIA WEEKLY DELTAJuly 3, 1890

“It
is the general opinion that the petition and accompanying documents
prepared last year by citizens of this and adjoining counties for
transmission to Congress, and recommending the permanent reservation
for a public park of certain timbered lands in the Sierra, were never
sent to Washington.

“Tulare made a mistake in inviting
other counties to participate, for what was everybody’s business became
the affair of no one. If there is to be any portion of our mountain
forests reserved, with their grand old sequoias, it must be done now or
never. Nearly all of the groves have already passed into private
ownership.

“Certain tracts, like the Giant forest, that
were once on the market and filed on by applicants in good faith,
should be restored to the market. This would be nothing more than
justice under the circumstances; but every acre of unsurveyed timber
lands in the Sierra Nevada should be reserved immediately and for all
time. This could work injury to no one; and it is due to the public
that at least a small section of our splendid mountain woodlands should
remain as made by nature.

“To permit the total
destruction of our giant redwoods and magnificent pine forests would be
a burning shame. The injury could not be computed or repaired. It is
well to recognize this fact and to act without further unnecessary
delay.”